Acres of rolling forests, 10 sparkling lakes, and two significant winding rivers make up the Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, where residents and visitors are drawn to the natural landscapes and quaint small-town charm.
A gateway to Peterborough County, the township is centrally located between Peterborough and Belleville and between Ottawa and Toronto — but it’s more than a place to pass through. In all corners, Havelock-Belmont-Methuen is shaped by a rich history, from the Canadian Pacific Railroad forming the village of Havelock to the gold mining boom in Cordova Mines during the first half of the 20th century. Today, the township is a pristine cottage country community where visitors come to fish, hunt, explore, and experience the natural beauty of the land.
From a unique lakeside brewery and artisan shopping to an immersive animal sanctuary and vibrant community events, the township boasts year-round adventures and friendly tradition in every nook and corner.
“Here in Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, we’re proud of the spirit that brings our community together — from the Fire & Ice Festival in February and the Celebrate Havelock Showcase in May, to live music at Rotary Park, the Fall Pumpkin Parade, and the amazing trails at our Mathison property,” says Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Mayor Jim Martin.
Morning in Havelock
Start your day with a hearty breakfast courtesy of The Ranch, a Highway 7 roadside diner that’s known for serving generous portions of country-style, home-cooked meals. This local favourite eatery is always buzzing with residents offering visitors a friendly smile and a warm welcome to Havelock-Belmont-Methuen.
Driving east on Highway 7 will bring you to the High Spring Trading Post. When you reach this shopping destination, you’ll think you’ve stepped into the past because of its resemblance to an original frontier town in the early 1800s. The exterior offers an Instagram-worthy photo op complete with a saloon, barbershop, mercantile, and jailhouse, while the interior has just as much to explore with an extensive variety of Canadian-made leather goods. Shop for wallets, jewellery, moccasins, custom leather products, and unique gifts or bring in your own genuine leather for repair.
Next, travel west to enter the village of Havelock where The Cottage awaits to be explored. For more than 10 years, this shop has been a staple in the cottage community, delivering high-quality products and clothing from top outdoor brands like Tentree, Billabong, and Oakley, as well as cottage décor, floaties, and water toys. You’ll also find a café on site serving coffee, ice cream, candy, and fresh donuts from the award-winning Dooher’s Bakery. As if that’s not enough reason to stop, The Cottage also features a mini golf course where each hole offers a unique cottage-themed obstacle that will pose a challenge whether you’re a mini golf pro or just looking for a special place to spend some time with friends and family.
Just around the corner on George Street, Stemz N Gemz is an eclectic shop filled with unique gifts that have been hand-crafted by local artisans, as well as stunning floral creations and fresh-cut flower bouquets bursting with colour and life. While you’re there, pamper yourself by booking a mani-pedi with Joy Esthetics, a salon located in the same storefront.
Wrap up your morning with a stop at Wildflower Bakery for European-style pastries including the local favourite pain au chocolat, where chocolate sticks are nestled inside fresh croissants. Whether you prefer sesame, raisin, walnut, or good ol’ fashioned plain, Wildflower Bakery has an organic, hand-crafted sourdough loaf with your name on it! Before you grab a sandwich and an authentic French hot chocolate to enjoy inside, on the patio, or on the road, be sure to browse the display of art and pottery made by local artists.
Afternoon Adventuring
To kick start your afternoon adventure in Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, head to the northern point of the Havelock for a stroll through the Mathison Conservation Area, accessible from behind the community centre by foot or by bike. A local favourite for bird watchers, the area offers 10 moderate and accessible trails, each under a kilometre, that feature meadows, ponds, dams, and a lookout. Every November 1, this system of trails is also home to the Havelock Pumpkin Parade where hundreds of Halloween jack-o-lanterns donated by community members will light up the trails for a fun community celebration.
On Fridays throughout the summer, stop in at the only afternoon market in The Kawarthas. The Havelock Farmer & Artisan Market, held on the south side of Highway 7 in the village of Havelock, brings together local farmers, bakers, artisans, and food vendors to celebrate the bounty of the region.
Once you’ve stocked up on fresh produce and gifts, head north on Peterborough County Road 46 to The Pearly Acre where Pot Belly pigs, a llama, and an alpaca wait to greet you. A sanctuary for rescued and adopted Pot Belly pigs, this non-profit organization doubles as an educational agritourism destination.
Get an immersive guided tour where you can touch, rub, and cuddle the pigs while learning about them and the sanctuary. You are sure to create a bond and appreciation you won’t soon forget! Tours are scheduled by appointment only.
Wet your whistle at the end of the afternoon by heading east to the shores of Belmont Lake, where you’ll find the Belmont Lake Brewery, a year-round local hangout that’s accessible by car, boat, and even snowmobile.
Owned by a passionate English couple who brew English beer with a Canadian twist, Belmont Lake Brewery celebrates The Kawarthas by naming its stouts, session ales, pale ales, and other brews after local stories and destinations. Combined with a stunning natural backdrop and welcoming staff — including a couple of irresistibly friendly shop dogs — this brewery is a must-stop during your road trip through The Kawarthas.
Settle in for a peaceful evening in Havelock-Belmont-Methuen
To round out the day of local adventure, head back to Havelock for a cozy dinner at The Station Restaurant, where history and heritage are celebrated. Originally built in 1929 and designated a Heritage Railway Station in 1991, the building holds significant place as the first divisional point east of Toronto on the Ontario-Quebec Railway. Now the architecturally unique restaurant serves a menu that boasts of seasonal, locally sourced produce taking inspiration from Greek, Canadian, and American cuisine.
Not ready for the fun to end? Extend your stay in Havelock-Belmont-Methuen with the comforts of The Trace on Oak Lake. On a five-acre peninsula, this year-round and pet-friendly resort is “The Jewel of The Kawarthas,” curating nothing short of a relaxing and rejuvenating getaway in anything from a simple and rustic suite to a luxurious, lakeside cabin. Either way, your day will be filled with serene sunrise mornings of lakeside yoga, afternoons of cold plunges, saunas, and pontoon boat rides, and evenings spent around the bonfire listening to the not-so-distant loon calls. This picturesque wellness destination will encourage you to leave your worries at the door and focus only on yourself.
“Surrounded by beautiful lakes like Belmont, Cordova, Kasshabog, Round, and Oak, Havelock-Belmont-Methuen is a place where every season offers something unique to enjoy,” says Mayor Jim Martin. “Whether you’re visiting for a festival, a hike, or just a quiet moment by the water, we can’t wait to share the pride we have in our township with you.”
For a detailed itinerary of your road trip in Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, visit The Kawarthas Tourism website at thekawarthas.ca/havelock-belmont-methuen-road-trip.
Planning your return trip to Havelock-Belmont-Methuen?
As a four-seasons destination, Havelock-Belmont-Methuen offers plenty of reasons to come back again and again. One of the township’s most anticipated annual events is the Havelock Fire & Ice Festival, a winter adventure that offers a variety of excitement to visitors of all ages. During this February festival, you can watch ice carvers chisel away or warm up by the fire pits with marshmallows while enjoying live performances. Ice hockey skills clinics, public skating, outdoor games, trail treks, food and craft vendors, and magical ice lantern walks are just the tip of the iceberg for the fun that can be found at this beloved family event.
You can also plan your next trip around the Celebrate Havelock Showcase & Tradeshow. Held in May at the Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Community Centre, this annual celebration is a showcase of the township through food, music, and a whole lot of fun. With more than 80 vendors, a classic car show, a beer garden, a kids’ zone, a petting zoo, live music, and an Arts in the Park showcase featuring more than a dozen local artists, this festival is bursting with fun for the whole family.
Road Tripping in The Kawarthas is a partnership between kawarthaNOW and the Peterborough County Tourism and Communications Division, created to showcase the unique and distinct townships of The Kawarthas.
This series supports the regional Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) campaign by inviting locals and nearby neighbours to rediscover the places, people, and businesses that make this region unforgettable. Every visit to The Kawarthas supports our local economy — and adds another chapter to your Kawarthas story.
Visit The Kawarthas Tourism at thekawarthas.ca.
